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Daron Cruickshank

TRAINING: A normal day in the life of Daron Cruickshank consists of drilling / mitt work / bag rounds in the morning. Then I do a little ballistic therapy at the range. Keeps me calm and relaxed. Then at night training I will spar / grapple / wrestle. Before the day is done I make sure to get in at least 10 mirror stares.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve been doing martial arts ever since I could walk. My mom was a professional kickboxer and my dad’s a mixed martial artist with a black belt in basically everything you can talk about. I’ve been around the game my whole life.

What ranks and titles have you held? 8-1 as an amateur, and I held the XCC title and TXC title in Michigan. As a professional, I hold the Ringside world title.

Do you have any heroes? My parents

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a future for me. It’s a career and prosperity

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Olivet College. Bachelors degree in Fitness Management

What was your job before you started fighting? Student

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in Taekwondo

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite striking technique: Ball kick – it’s a real thing, you hit with the ball of your foot instead of the shin

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).